Set up in 1975 and based in Thessaloniki, Greece, this agency serves as a reference centre for vocational education and training. It provides information on, and analyses vocational education and training systems, policies, research and practice.

CEPOL, based in the UK, brings together senior police officers from
across Europe to encourage cross-border co-operation in the fight
against crime, and in maintaining public security and law and order.

The Commitee of the Regions is a representative assembly with the job of giving local and regional authorities a voice at the heart of the European Union. Its members are drawn from municipal and regional authorities in the 15 member states. The Committee gives opinions but does not have any formal powers.

The EUISS is an autonomous agency set up in 2001 as part of the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). Its role is to research and monitor major security and defence issues, and promote dialogue on all security issues between the EU and the United States and Canada.

The European Investment Bank is the EU's financing institution. Its task is to contribute towards integration, balanced development and economic and social cohesion of member Countries. The EIB also raises large volumes of funds which help to finance capital projects.

The EIF is an offshoot of the European Investment Bank EIB) based in Luxembourg and jointly owned by the EIB, the European Commission and some 28 European banks and financial institutions. The Fund is the EIB's specialised financial institution, responsible for looking after portfolio guarantees and venture capital.

Eurojust's role is to work to enhance co-operation and co-ordination between national investigation and prosecution authorities on matters of organised crime. The agency is based at The Hague, in the Netherlands.

The Maritime Safety Agency provides technical and scientific advice to the EU Commission on safety at sea and the prevention of pollution by ships. It also monitors the development and implementation of new maritime legislation.

Based in Vienna, Austria, the EUMC provides information on racism, xenophobia and anti-Semitism, and advises on action to combat such phenomena. The EUMC also recommends good practice regarding the integration of migrants and ethnic and religious minority groups.

Jacob Soderman was elected the first EU Ombudsman after the office was established by the Maastricht Treaty in 1995. His role is to deal with complaints of maladministration by EU institutions from EU citizens.

The EESC serves as an advisory/consultative body to the Commission, Council and Parliament on relations with employers' organisations, trade unions, farmers, consumer groups and professional associations. The EESC is the only way for these interest groups to have a formal say on draft EU legislation.